Hello and a philosophical question

cdkhopkar · 12-17-2009, 06:31 PM

Hello! I stumbled across this forum while scouring the internet looking for real reviews of the Ferrari California, and I found so much good information I just had to join.

I just acquired my first Ferrari. I went into my local Ferrari dealership with the intent of trading in my 08 Aston Martin Vantage Roadster (beautiful to look, disappointing to drive) for a used 430 Spider, and somehow stumbled out with a new 430 Coupe, my Aston, and a painful lesson in depreciation. While they make a pretty pair, I've put the Aston up for consignment and plan on replacing it with another Ferrari (a California or maybe a used 612) in the future. Which brings me to my question:

Do you agree with Jeremy Clarkson that a Ferrari's personality should always be: "You make mistake, I kill!"?

wetpet · 12-17-2009, 07:06 PM

nice car. get the 612.

Night Life · 12-18-2009, 12:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wetpet

nice car. get the 612.

+2
California

Barry · 12-18-2009, 01:25 AM

think I'd go 612 also...

Lovely aston too!

redtrman · 12-18-2009, 08:47 AM

612, California? Did it not already slide into the ocean

Gcalo · 12-18-2009, 09:23 AM

If depreciation is a concern you'll feel it big time in a 612 unless you get into that car really, really right!

F of NE has a new (yes new) 2008 sitting on the floor. Can you imagine holding that depreciating asset?

Your 430 looks great. Your Aston looks great as well, but you see what depreciation is and why buying new means little in reality.

The California's are not selling well so be careful with those.

We had a discussion of that model a while ago and the concensus was that it may depreciate big time as well.

Cars are a big if as you know so enjoy them as you can.

Welcome to the site.

Granucci · 12-18-2009, 09:42 AM

Agree with most of the above but here's my take:

You'll LOVE the 612/12Cylinder -- actually any newer > 95 12 cylinder IMO. That 612 will have more depreciation....sorry, it's not bottomed out yet, but then again neither is the 430 you chose so, guessing that's not much a factor.

As for the CA There are MANY reports on items, silently being fixed [always a Ferrari option when you buy new

] to include clutch and I could go on.

The depreciation will be great on the CA, I can feel it in my bones and it's just starting. Sales are lagging and not just the economy. BUT, IF you must have that car, get on a lease...sorry but you don't want to be in a fix trying to get rid of it, if, when....

Many of the old timers who can save you a few bucks [guessing that's not even in your RADAR seeing what you are purchasing] are opting out of the > 2006 cars. Matter of fact your 430 is above most of their desires. What that means is you will be paying a 'certified'/Dealership for repairs and they are not noted for being either on top of it, nor even solving the problem. BUT, once again, I am quite certain THAT is, once again, a factor you have dealt and considered and have little concerns.

IF you purchased your car from FofW they are a TOP group and you'll get better than most. Shoot, even Portland and Denver are better than most...You are in a good area.

Just make some more inquiries on the CA before taking it, and perhaps looks at the [ya' it will happen sooner than most] re-sale next Fall.

Welcome to the site.

cdkhopkar · 12-18-2009, 10:00 AM

Thanks for all the replies and the advice.

I did read a few of the old threads about the California, including a few messages about the "video-game quality" of the driving experience. I find myself liking it when I see it in person with the top down (well, from most angles), but I don't love the car like I do my 430.

I worry about the 612's depreciation too -- on dupont registry, the price differences from one year to the next are staggering.

Perhaps the correct thing to do is to wait patiently for a 458 spider. I think it will be a special car, like the 430, and I may not mind the depreciation for a chance to pick my own colors.

Boxer · 12-18-2009, 01:59 PM

Personally I found the CA very digital and distant. If you don't want to wait the Scud 16M is a great current option

wetpet · 12-19-2009, 11:00 AM

just spotted a 612 in bethesda last nite. anthracite. first one i've seen parked on the street.

bryanp · 12-19-2009, 01:06 PM

I may be old school, but Ferrari = v-12 (unless it's a 4-cylinder!!)

wetpet · 12-19-2009, 03:56 PM

nope, you're just old

Gcalo · 12-19-2009, 09:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redtrman

612, California? Did it not already slide into the ocean

Yes but due to global warming the sea rose and rejoined the land!

il Capolino · 01-05-2010, 12:57 PM

Get the 612!

Jeremy Clarkson has an entertaining way with words and that expression is better suited for a Koenigsegg, I suppose.

Truth is, any modern Ferrari with the electronic "safety net" switched off on wet tarmac, sure makes you pay attention...! Ditto on dry tarmac but once used to the car, on dry tarmac the hand sweating decreases along with the increase of your smile. I don't dare to switch off the electronic aids on my alpine roads but I like the manettino in the "race" position. It provides the best suspension setting and still has some safety net left but allowing more excitement.

Salve,
il Capolino

12-17-2009, 06:31 PM	#1
cdkhopkar Owner Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Seattle, WA Ferrari Life Posts: 46 Name: Chirag	Hello and a philosophical question Hello! I stumbled across this forum while scouring the internet looking for real reviews of the Ferrari California, and I found so much good information I just had to join. I just acquired my first Ferrari. I went into my local Ferrari dealership with the intent of trading in my 08 Aston Martin Vantage Roadster (beautiful to look, disappointing to drive) for a used 430 Spider, and somehow stumbled out with a new 430 Coupe, my Aston, and a painful lesson in depreciation. While they make a pretty pair, I've put the Aston up for consignment and plan on replacing it with another Ferrari (a California or maybe a used 612) in the future. Which brings me to my question: Do you agree with Jeremy Clarkson that a Ferrari's personality should always be: "You make mistake, I kill!"? Attached Images

12-18-2009, 01:25 AM	#4
Barry Owner Elite Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Europe Ferrari Life Posts: 3,256	think I'd go 612 also... Lovely aston too! Barry Ferrari's: 360 Modena F1, 308 GT4 Other Italians: Ducati 916, Ducati 848 DD's: RR Sport, BMW 645ci, BMW 1200GS Adv.

12-18-2009, 09:42 AM	#7
Granucci Owner Elite Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: far and away Ferrari Life Posts: 5,047	Agree with most of the above but here's my take: You'll LOVE the 612/12Cylinder -- actually any newer > 95 12 cylinder IMO. That 612 will have more depreciation....sorry, it's not bottomed out yet, but then again neither is the 430 you chose so, guessing that's not much a factor. As for the CA There are MANY reports on items, silently being fixed [always a Ferrari option when you buy new ] to include clutch and I could go on. The depreciation will be great on the CA, I can feel it in my bones and it's just starting. Sales are lagging and not just the economy. BUT, IF you must have that car, get on a lease...sorry but you don't want to be in a fix trying to get rid of it, if, when.... Many of the old timers who can save you a few bucks [guessing that's not even in your RADAR seeing what you are purchasing] are opting out of the > 2006 cars. Matter of fact your 430 is above most of their desires. What that means is you will be paying a 'certified'/Dealership for repairs and they are not noted for being either on top of it, nor even solving the problem. BUT, once again, I am quite certain THAT is, once again, a factor you have dealt and considered and have little concerns. IF you purchased your car from FofW they are a TOP group and you'll get better than most. Shoot, even Portland and Denver are better than most...You are in a good area. Just make some more inquiries on the CA before taking it, and perhaps looks at the [ya' it will happen sooner than most] re-sale next Fall. Welcome to the site. Guide to the Galaxy: Don't Panic Rik -- LAH ! Current: 1990 Mondial T Cabriolet : Red/Tan 1995 456 GT 2+2 : Roso Metalizzato [Fer 311/C] & Tan

12-18-2009, 01:59 PM	#9
Boxer Owner Elite Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: UK Ferrari Life Posts: 12,781	Personally I found the CA very digital and distant. If you don't want to wait the Scud 16M is a great current option Boxer Current: F40, F50, 612, 430 Scuderia Past: 360 Modena, 360 Challenge, 550, 575, 365BB, 512BB, 456 GT, F355 GTS, 365 GTB/4 Daytona, 308 GTB

01-05-2010, 12:57 PM	#14
il Capolino Owner Elite Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Switzerland Ferrari Life Posts: 1,023 Name: Capo	Get the 612! Jeremy Clarkson has an entertaining way with words and that expression is better suited for a Koenigsegg, I suppose. Truth is, any modern Ferrari with the electronic "safety net" switched off on wet tarmac, sure makes you pay attention...! Ditto on dry tarmac but once used to the car, on dry tarmac the hand sweating decreases along with the increase of your smile. I don't dare to switch off the electronic aids on my alpine roads but I like the manettino in the "race" position. It provides the best suspension setting and still has some safety net left but allowing more excitement. Salve, il Capolino Salve, Capo The bad news: Time flies The good news: I'm the pilot You cannot make life longer but you can make it wider and also much higher.

12-17-2009, 07:06 PM	#2
wetpet Owner Elite Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Chevy Chase, Md Ferrari Life Posts: 6,600 Name: Ed	nice car. get the 612.

12-18-2009, 08:47 AM	#5
redtrman Owner Elite Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Great Falls, VA Ferrari Life Posts: 1,153	612, California? Did it not already slide into the ocean

12-18-2009, 09:23 AM	#6
Gcalo Owner Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: San Ramon, Calif Ferrari Life Posts: 3,613	If depreciation is a concern you'll feel it big time in a 612 unless you get into that car really, really right! F of NE has a new (yes new) 2008 sitting on the floor. Can you imagine holding that depreciating asset? Your 430 looks great. Your Aston looks great as well, but you see what depreciation is and why buying new means little in reality. The California's are not selling well so be careful with those. We had a discussion of that model a while ago and the concensus was that it may depreciate big time as well. Cars are a big if as you know so enjoy them as you can. Welcome to the site.

12-18-2009, 10:00 AM	#8
cdkhopkar Owner Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Seattle, WA Ferrari Life Posts: 46 Name: Chirag	Thanks for all the replies and the advice. I did read a few of the old threads about the California, including a few messages about the "video-game quality" of the driving experience. I find myself liking it when I see it in person with the top down (well, from most angles), but I don't love the car like I do my 430. I worry about the 612's depreciation too -- on dupont registry, the price differences from one year to the next are staggering. Perhaps the correct thing to do is to wait patiently for a 458 spider. I think it will be a special car, like the 430, and I may not mind the depreciation for a chance to pick my own colors.

12-19-2009, 11:00 AM	#10
wetpet Owner Elite Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Chevy Chase, Md Ferrari Life Posts: 6,600 Name: Ed	just spotted a 612 in bethesda last nite. anthracite. first one i've seen parked on the street.

12-19-2009, 01:06 PM	#11
bryanp Owner Elite Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Arlington, VA Ferrari Life Posts: 381	I may be old school, but Ferrari = v-12 (unless it's a 4-cylinder!!)

12-19-2009, 03:56 PM	#12
wetpet Owner Elite Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Chevy Chase, Md Ferrari Life Posts: 6,600 Name: Ed	nope, you're just old

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